Listening to the Current Reality
Human migration has become one of the defining issues of our time, with unprecedented numbers of individuals relocating voluntarily or involuntarily due to factors such as economic opportunity, conflict, persecution, and environmental changes. As of 2020, there were an estimated 281 million international migrants worldwide, accounting for 3.6% of the global population. This mass movement has significant global implications for societies, economies, and religious landscapes. Migrants often face challenges, including cultural dislocation, discrimination, and barriers to integration, while also bringing diversity and potential revitalisation to host communities. The church is uniquely positioned to respond to these dynamics, yet there remains a gap in effectively engaging and ministering to people on the move.
Imagining a Preferred Reality
A global church that recognises and embraces the missional opportunities presented by human migration is envisioned. In this preferred future, churches act as welcoming communities that offer support, advocacy, and discipleship to migrants and refugees, facilitating their integration and flourishing. Migrants, in turn, become active participants and leaders within these faith communities, contributing to a vibrant, multicultural expression of the body of Christ. The church becomes a catalyst for reconciliation and unity amidst diversity, reflecting the inclusive nature of the gospel.
Creating Strategies to Close the Gap
The following are suggested steps to take to close the gap:
- Develop Theological Frameworks for Migration: Encourage theological reflection on migration, diaspora, and hospitality, grounding the church’s response in a biblical understanding of God’s heart for the stranger and sojourner.
- Equip Churches for Cross-Cultural Ministry: Provide training and resources to help congregations understand cultural dynamics and effectively minister to diverse migrant populations.
- Foster Partnerships with Migrant Communities: Engage directly with migrant and refugee communities to understand their needs, build trust, and develop collaborative initiatives that promote mutual support and integration.
- Advocate for Just Policies: Mobilise church members to advocate for fair and compassionate immigration policies that uphold the dignity and rights of migrants and refugees.
- Leverage Diaspora Networks for Mission: Recognise and empower diaspora Christians as strategic agents in global mission, facilitating their connection with both their host and home countries for evangelism and church planting.
Communicating and Collaborating
Addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with people on the move requires a collaborative, global response from the church. By sharing insights, resources, and best practices, churches and mission organisations can more effectively minister to migrant populations. Platforms for dialogue and cooperation, such as those provided by the Lausanne Movement, are essential for fostering unity and coordinated action in this critical area of mission.
This edited summary was produced from the AI-generated report on the collective insights gained from the collaborate group discussions at the Fourth Lausanne Congress.